Tag Archive for: helmet

Implement these group riding guidelines on your next ride

Group riding provides cyclists with enjoyment, exercise, training, support from other cyclists, and safety. Whether you’re riding to lunch with co-workers or completing a 50-mile Kerrville Triathlon Festival training ride with your crew, the following group riding guidelines will come in handy. Knowing these basic group riding guidelines will also make the ride more enjoyable and safer for everyone involved.

* Complete a quick, pre-ride safety check.

* Obey all traffic laws.

* Operate bike in such a manner as to not offend or endanger motorists, pedestrians, etc.

* Wear a helmet for safety (and be a good model for children).

* Activate all lights on bikes.

* Wear reflective gear that makes the group more visible, even in the daytime.

* Ride single file except in areas where it is safe to ride side-by-side.

* When riding in a pack, look at “shoulder level” of cyclists in front of you. This allows you to see what is happening further up the road and not focus on the cyclists in front of you. Fixing your gaze on the back tire of the person in front of you doesn’t give you enough time to react should the entire group slow down.

* It is the responsibility of the lead rider to notify the cyclist behind them of approaching issues by saying, “jogger up, cyclist up.” This includes any potential danger that may lie ahead. It is the responsibility of each cyclist to pass the caution back to the person behind them.

Important hand signals

* Hand signals, instead of words, are used to warn riders of potential danger on the roadway. In a pack, oftentimes, the only cyclist who has enough visual warning is the front cyclist. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the lead rider to warn the cyclists behind them. If the lead cyclist (or the cyclist in front of you):

  • shakes their hand to the right = there’s a pothole, branch, or some obstacle to the right
  • shakes their hand to the left = there’s an obstacle to the left
  • puts hand behind their posterior = follow right behind them as there might be obstacles on both sides
  • puts right hand down with the flat of the hand facing you = lead cyclist is slowing down or coming to a stop

* Avoid slowing down abruptly or making any other sudden moves.

* Ask experienced riders questions when you’re not sure what is occurring.

What bike helmet do you wear when you ride?

In the United States, government standards ensure that every bike helmet sold will help protect you in a crash. For most riders safety alone is not enough: a good bike helmet must be comfortable, have good ventilation, and be the “least dorky looking.”

So which brand is best? The truth is that there is no best option. Each helmet company has a slightly different profile and will fit each person a little differently. The key to the decision-making process is to find what works best… Share on X

Remember, looks are important, but protection, comfort, and functionality should come first. White reflects heat, which every little bit can be helpful if you find yourself riding outside in Texas during the summer months. We suspect that this why the color is so popular among ours staff. That and it is classic and can be worn with any kit.

Check out what bike helmet High Five Events’ employees wear and how long they’ve been riding. 

bike helmet

William’s (the Rookie) bike helmet.

John

Riding Experience – 10 Years

Favorite Helmet – Giro Savant MIPS

Emily

Riding Experience – on and off for 4 years

Favorite Helmet – white Giro Revel MIPS

Helmet Color of Choice – White

Tina

Riding Experience – Since 2006

Favorite Helmet – Giro Foray

Helmet Color of Choice – White

Jack

Riding Experience – riding for 24 years (not counting kid bikes)

Favorite Helmet – Giro Air Attack

Helmet Color of Choice – Black

William

Riding Experience – 2 Months

Favorite Helmet – Giro Isode

Helmet Color of Choice – White

Dan

Riding Experience – Since High School no exact years listed 😛

Favorite Helmet: Giro Atmos II

Helmet Color of Choice – White

Joey

Riding Experience – Since he can remember, this might be longer than Dan but no one will confirm.

Favorite Helmet -Giro Savant MIPS

Helmet Color of Choice – Bright red/black

Stacy

Riding Experience – Since 2001

Favorite Helmet- Giro Atmos II

Helmet Color of Choice – White